E.C. Chastises 19 Countries For Rule Violations

Law360 (April 19, 2006, 12:00 AM EDT) -- Taking the first legal step, the European Commission has formally reprimanded 19 European Union governments for breaching single market rules in order to thwart foreign competition.

The E.C. released the news on Wednesday, alleging that a slew of countries were deliberately engaged in anticompetitive practices.

The single market rules govern crucial sectors, including accounting, insurance and pension companies.

In most cases, the E.C. has charged national governments with blocking foreign people and businesses from competing in their markets, despite the fact that they are E.U. citizens....